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Congress of the People (COPE) strongly condemns the use of violence by a section of certain mine workers to prevent others from exercising their democratic right to demonstrate peacefully at Lonmin’s Marikana mine in the North West province.
The reported differences over control of the local mines by the National Union of Mineworkers and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, which led to the deaths of two police officers, two security guards, three protesters and two other men is a ‘selfish and barbaric act’.
We encourage police to continue cracking down and arresting perpetrators of these heinous crimes because they do not respect the right to life. COPE also wishes Captain Dennis Adriao who was injured during violent protests at Lonmin's Marikana mine, a speedy recovery.
COPE calls on the National Union of Mineworkers and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union to adhere to and uphold democracy and freedom of association and other freedoms enshrined in the constitution of the republic.
We wish to remind the union that they are responsible for their members’ actions and that leaders need to stand up and face the consequences. We believe both unions and the mine to resolve these issues amicable without spilling blood or engaging in any form of violence.
COPE calls upon the minister of Labour to intervene decisively. Her silence on this issue is deafening.
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